426: Chapter 426 Is this some kind of behind-the-scenes manipulation?

Uranus fell silent.

The blue light, resembling underlying code deep within his eyes, flickered frantically before quickly receding.

"Sander, what you seek involves too much."

Uranus's voice echoed in the hall, carrying a hint of stiffness.

"The River of Time is not something mortals can easily touch."

"However, I have an ancient 'God-Slaying Spear' passed down from long ago. It comes with a 100% true penetration effect, ignoring any defense."

Chen You remained expressionless.

"Can you change the protection period?"

Uranus's fingers tapped the armrest of the throne, the rhythm quickening slightly.

"Or, a floating sky fortress equipped with a mythological-grade Magic Cannon. With it, you will be invincible among those of the same level."

Chen You sighed.

"Can you change the protection period?"

Uranus's voice deepened, and his massive body leaned forward slightly, exuding an overwhelming pressure.

"Young man, do not reach for what is beyond your grasp. Do you know that others could never even dream of obtaining these rewards..."

Chen You understood.

Director Li Guoan was completely right.

This guy was just painting a pretty picture to stall for time; he had absolutely no authority to modify the newbie protection period in the system's underlying code.

"Thanks, but no thanks."

Chen You pulled a recall talisman out of his backpack.

Uranus was stunned, his movements freezing in mid-air.

"Do you know what it means to give up this opportunity?"

"It means I can live a few days longer."

Chen You crushed the recall talisman.

The teleportation light flared up, enveloping his body.

Uranus stood up abruptly, and the two rows of Level 100 Imperial Guards in the hall drew their greatswords in unison, the sound of metal scraping against metal ear-piercing.

"Goodbye, no need to see me out."

Chen You waved his hand, and his figure instantly vanished from the hall, leaving the Level 100 City Lord looking bewildered.

As the light dissipated, Chen You's feet touched the ground.

His ears were instantly filled with deafening heavy metal music.

The sky was dark, and colorful neon signs flickered frantically on both sides of the street.

Holographic projections intertwined in the air, displaying a massive banner: "Voice of Star Source, Night of the Peak! Call for your favorite Center!"

Chen You looked up at the sky.

Evening.

"Fuck!" Chen You couldn't help but curse.

Just after chatting for a bit and stalling for less than a minute, it was evening in Cangxing City again!

"This system is truly sinister; it steals time even more ruthlessly than it steals lives."

While grumbling internally, Chen You opened the map, preparing to use auto-pathing to the City Lord's Mansion.

At that moment, a deep blue system notification box suddenly popped up, blocking his vision.

[Ding! The Voice of Star Source grand finale will begin in 2 hours!]

[As the specially invited Chief Judge and sole Honorary Mentor of this election, please select the final ten contestants from the qualifiers.]

[Note: Your selection only represents personal artistic taste and serves as one of the references; it is not the final list.]

Chen You stared at the last line.

"If it's not the final list, why the hell are you making me choose?" Chen You pointed at the light screen and cursed loudly.

Despite the cursing, he still clicked open the contestant list.

Densely packed avatars and data flowed down like a waterfall.

First of all, Lin Miao had to get in.

She was a national team contestant; there were generous rewards for taking first place, and he absolutely couldn't let the benefits go to outsiders.

Chen You decisively placed a large checkmark after Lin Miao's name.

Next, it was time to clear out the stumbling blocks.

First was Salos of the Titan God Clan.

His performance item was: Breaking a large stone on his chest combined with heavy metal death growls.

"No, this big guy's support rate is too high; he'll easily steal Lin Miao's spotlight." With a swipe of his finger, Chen You decisively crossed him off.

Next was Arrow of the Moon of the Elf God Clan.

Pointy ears, a pair of long legs, and her talent was playing a leaf of nature, creating an ethereal, celestial sound.

"This absolutely won't do; keeping her is a disaster. Eliminated."

Then there was Oro of the Roman God Clan.

Dressed in all black, performing shadow footwork. It was incredibly cool, and the comment section below was filled with the screams of fangirls.

"Too much of a show-off, seriously affecting the city's appearance. Eliminated."

Chen You kept scrolling down, his hand acting like a blade, striking down every contestant who looked competitive, good-looking, or exceptionally talented.

The elites of the Three Great Divine Races were completely wiped out.

Finally, Chen You's gaze landed on an extremely conspicuous name.

[Individual Trainee: James Sander. Talent: Singing, Dancing, Rapping, Basketball.]

Chen You let out a cold laugh.

Sander, oh Sander. You're a dignified City Lord; instead of staying in your mansion to hand out quests, you just had to pursue some idol dream.

If you don't fail the audition, how much longer will my subsequent quests be delayed?

"For the peace of the Source Realm, and for my main quest, you'd better go back to being a City Lord with peace of mind."

Without hesitation, Chen You drew a massive red 'X' over Sander's name.

After selecting a round, Chen You adhered to the principle that "a red flower must be set off by mud," specifically picking out the misfits and eyesores.

A Skeleton Soldier with only one leg, whose performance was spinning two hundred times on one leg.

A three-headed dwarf performing a three-way crosstalk, arguing with himself.

A Mutant Pigman performing eating a bucket of swill in five seconds.

...

"Perfect." Chen You looked at the "death list" he had compiled and nodded with satisfaction.

With this lineup, if Lin Miao still can't take first place, she might as well go home and feed the pigs.

Click, submit list.

Chen You arrived at the City Lord's Mansion once again.

By now, the City Lord's Mansion had completely changed. A huge support banner hung at the entrance, reading "Sander, fly bravely; if anything happens, take the blame yourself."

Several guards were holding glow sticks, standing at their posts with expressions of utter despair.

Chen You swaggered inside.

Just as he entered the backyard, he heard a shrill wail piercing the sky.

"Why! Why! I've practiced hard for two and a half years, why didn't I even make it to the finals!"

Sander's massive body, over two meters tall, was curled up by the fountain in the center of the yard, crying like a two-hundred-pound child.

She was still wearing those ridiculous overalls, her middle-parted hair was messy like a bird's nest, and the basketball in her hand had rolled to the side.

Chen You suppressed his laughter, put on a pained expression, and walked forward quickly.

"City Lord Sander, what happened? Who bullied you? Tell me, I'll stand up for you!"

Sander looked up, her face covered in tears. Seeing Chen You was like seeing a close relative; she grabbed Chen You's leg and cried even more sorrowfully.

"Mentor! I failed! The system just notified me that because the judging panel strongly discouraged me, my comprehensive score was deducted to a negative value! I didn't even touch the threshold of the finals!"

Chen You's heart skipped a beat.

This damn system really tells the truth about everything; it's truly a Lack of Virtue.

He coughed twice and patted Sander's broad shoulder without changing his expression.

"Sander, you're confused!" Chen You sighed with a pained look.

"I... how am I confused?" Sander asked, sobbing, her massive eyes full of bewilderment.

Chen You put his hands behind his back and looked up at the dim yellow sky, putting on an air of profound mystery.

"Do you know what true art is?"